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The conditions were perfect for racing on Tuesday, a validation of the summer 'sea breeze' regime that was such an important factor in bringing America's Cup racing to Valencia, Spain. This is the first time competition will take place at the same time of year as the Louis Vuitton Cup Final and America's Cup Match in 2007, so it is encouraging to see the predicted conditions materialize. Yesterday a nice east southeasterly wind came up in the afternoon, reaching about 20 knots by race time at 1400 hours local time.

The Race Committee organized starts on both the north and south race courses, a simulation of tomorrow's match racing schedule. While many teams took the starts, few completed races, preferring not to 'lock in' any results. A few teams suffered some minor breakages in the heavy conditions... no doubt relieved that for yesterday, it did not count.

Vincenzo ONORATO presented his America's Cup team, Mascalzone Latino - Team Capitalia (ITA) to the media for the first time in Valencia. He said that after the learning experience of the last Cup in Auckland, his team was coming to Valencia with a fresh perspective, and looking to win races.

'The Auckland experience served many purposes; we learned a lot of things and we have rebuilt our team to be better than before. This time we're giving it all we've got,' ONORATO told the media.

The team will be racing ITA 77, the ex Stars & Stripes boat in Valencia.

This evening, the teams will head for the Plaza del Ayuntamiento in the centre of Valencia where all twelve teams will be presented to the public for the first time in the Host City of the 32nd America's Cup.

The public ceremony will feature all teams taking the stage in turn with video footage of their team sailing projected on screens for the crowd. The teams will be welcomed to the city by the Mayor of Valencia, and the ceremony will be followed by the traditional Valencia fireworks.

This follows the skipper's press conference this morning when all the skippers will meet the media to discuss their prospects in the upcoming Louis Vuitton Acts.